Today we’d like to introduce you to Guta Louro.
Hi Guta , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be sharing my story and background with you today! I am originally from Brazil, and have lived in the country’s two most iconic cities – I was born in Rio de Janeiro (where my parents are from) and grew up in Sao Paulo. The two cities are totally unique in that Rio de Janeiro is more of the outdoorsy, beach city, whereas Sao Paulo is the financial capital of Brazil, but also the center of arts. I feel fortunate to have an influence from both in my personality and in my work! I had a unique educational upbringing in Sao Paulo, as I attended the American school, where my classes were in English and my classmates from all over the world. I then obtained my Architecture and Urbanism degree in Sao Paulo, and in parallel, achieved my interior design license. After graduating, I began working with an architect and designer I admired, Carolina Maluhy, and absolutely fell in love with the work. I knew right then and there that I wanted to launch my own architecture and interior design studio, which I did in 2014.
In 2017, as the studio grew and we became nationally recognized, I saw an opportunity to chase my dream, which was to expand the studio internationally. So, I decided to go for it, and of all places, chose the world’s most competitive design center, New York! I was accepted to the New York School of Interior Design, where I completed a Master’s in Interior Design, during which I both managed my studio back home and worked with Manhattan-based designers. I know they call it the city that never sleeps, but between career, school, and networking, it really was a time to focus and soak in as much information as I could!
After graduating from the program, Guta Louro Designs NYC opened its doors and I began designing colorful and soulful projects in the city and its surrounding areas! However, as my background is both in architecture and interior design, I know the difference it makes to have a unified team able to provide full-service projects to clients, so Guta Louro Designs partnered with Splice Design, an architecture and urbanism studio with offices in NYC and Atlanta, and expanded to a new vibrant city, Austin, which became home for me in 2020! It has been an exciting move and we are so excited to bring our colorful and sophisticated approach to comfort, as well as a sharp eye for detail, to our residential and hospitality clients in the Lone Star State!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been an incredible journey. When it comes to my career, I have always found myself (unintentionally!) picking the longest, most difficult route, where either the gratification or the fall can be quite majestic. Starting something new, especially in a different country and now city, can be challenging. Doing it alone, away from your family and comfort zone (and during a pandemic!), only makes it harder. But as long as the mindset is positive and the hard work, ambition, and desire to succeed are there, then incredible people, partners, and clients come into your life and make all of the struggles seem small when placed next to the beautiful accomplishments they brought.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an architect and interior designer with a focus on designing sophisticated, colorful, and comfortable living spaces for residential and hospitality clients. I am known for bringing my clients’ lifestyles and personalities into their homes, by listening to their stories, prioritizing their needs, and understanding their necessities. Color, in all shades and tones, are present in our projects, and comfort is always emphasized. I try to really appreciate my client’s life story and how they value their space and belongings. I am a strong believer that your home should not only speak to you, but also speak for you. In other words, the “out with the old” concept doesn’t usually apply to us, as we try to integrate what you currently enjoy into our projects.
I am proud of my professional trajectory, and all of the different places it has brought me. Working with such a culturally diverse set of clients and just listening to their dreams has been the greatest gift for me. I care about my clients and surpassing their design dreams. I live and breathe design, and my partners at Splice are the same. We love what we do and we love the excitement and smiles we bring to our clients’ faces. The “Brazilian flair” is often seen in my designs, which translates to comfort, color, personality, and positive energy flow. Splice Design has the in-house skill of a large firm, but the soul of a small studio. We are passionate about design, we love meeting new people, and we are focused on the uniqueness of each of our clients.
We are a full-service interior design, architecture, and urbanism firm specializing in high-end residential design and the hospitality field.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Your career path as an architect or designer will likely face bumps in the road early on. You will work long hours, both in school and likely in the early part of your career, and at times, it may feel exhausting and the pay perhaps unrewarding. This will all change in time, but if you love your craft, you will look back on each stage of your career with fondness. Soak in all the knowledge you can and network as much as you feel comfortable doing, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Having a mentor is also key – making mistakes in the beginning is common, but having someone you trust to guide you through solving them will be crucial.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@splice-design.com
- Website: http://www.splice-design.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gutalourodesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gutalourodesigns
- Other: www.gutalouro.com
Image Credits
Romulo Fialdini
Denilson Machado
Guta Louro
